For those who have fled their homes, having a safe, reliable roof overhead can be the first step to finding stability once again.
Refugee camps and settlements are usually established as a short-term solution, but it’s often the case that the camps will be needed for a longer period of time than first thought. So our shelters evolve alongside our customer’s needs, designing and updating structures that can last.
Global Builders
For years, Alight has provided shelter support around the world. From emergency tents and shelters in the days and weeks following a disaster to shelters that some families may live in for a decade or more, we’ve built shelters from Pakistan to Somalia, Haiti to South Sudan.
During the 2015 influx of Burundian refugees into Rwanda, we led the construction of Mahama refugee camp. Acting quickly alongside other partners, we provided shelter to over 28,000 people. Since the initial phase of construction in Mahama, we have continued to work alongside the community to understand what they need most. We’ve built semi-permanent structures enabling families to move from temporary structures into a more durable home. We also believe in the importance of sustainable construction and responsible building practices. In Rwanda, we lobbied for the use of environmentally friendly building materials which will be introduced in future building projects.
Recently in Somalia, we pioneered a new type of living community for recently returned Somali refugees – a neighborhood with 100 homes, designed for and with the families who will live there. This approach is a departure from typical shelter projects, which are usually bare bones and not exactly fit for a large family to live comfortably. Instead, these are more than houses. They’re thoughtfully designed homes designed to welcome people after decades away – to help them create a life that starts off on the right foot, at home with their families.
Program Locations
We currently provide shelter services in: